Hot Metal
Series Overview
Hot metal is a London Weekend Television sitcom about the British Newspaper industry broadcast between 1986 and 1988. The daily crucible, the dullest newspaper in Fleet Street, is suddenly taken over by media magnate Terence "Twiggy" Rathbone. Its editor Harry Stringer is 'promoted' to managing editor, and is replaced in his old job by Russell Spam. Spam then takes the paper shooting downmarket and turns the crucible into a sensation seeking scandal rag, very much in the style of the British tabloids of the 1980s. He is helped along by his ace gutter journalist, Greg Kettle, who intimidates his tabloid victims by claiming to be "a representative of Her Majesty's press" and produces stories such as accusing a vicar of being a werewolf. Throughout the first series, a running plot involved cub reporter Bill Tytla gradually uncovering an actual newsworthy story that went to the very heart of government. Written by David Renwick and Andrew Marshall, it is very much a continuation in style from their previous sitcom Whoops Apocalypse!. It was produced by Humphrey Barclay.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
2 Seasons • 13 Episodes
30 min per episode
1986 – 1989
Premiered: Sun, Feb 16, 1986
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 2, Episode 7: “The Rat Sat on the Cat”
Twiggy threatens to demolish an 11th century church and replace it with the new tower block. Harry defends a Crucible story about cat food. (Comic Relief special)
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Humphrey Barclay
Department Leadership Roster
Humphrey Barclay
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Hot Metal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Metal
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Hot Metal about?
Hot metal is a London Weekend Television sitcom about the British Newspaper industry broadcast between 1986 and 1988. The daily crucible, the dullest newspaper in Fleet Street, is suddenly taken over by media magnate Terence "Twiggy" Rathbone. Its editor Harry Stringer is 'promoted' to managing editor, and is replaced in his old job by Russell Spam. Spam then takes the paper shooting downmarket and turns the crucible into a sensation seeking scandal rag, very much in the style of the British tabloids of the 1980s. He is helped along by his ace gutter journalist, Greg Kettle, who intimidates his tabloid victims by claiming to be "a representative of Her Majesty's press" and produces stories such as accusing a vicar of being a werewolf. Throughout the first series, a running plot involved cub reporter Bill Tytla gradually uncovering an actual newsworthy story that went to the very heart of government. Written by David Renwick and Andrew Marshall, it is very much a continuation in style from their previous sitcom Whoops Apocalypse!. It was produced by Humphrey Barclay.
How many seasons does Hot Metal have?
Hot Metal comprises 2 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Hot Metal?
Key cast members in Hot Metal include Robert Hardy, Caroline Milmoe, David Barrass, Richard Wilson, Richard Kane.
Who created or directed Hot Metal?
Hot Metal was developed and directed by Not specified.